by Robbie Pangilinan

Journey lead vocalist and one of the Philippines’ finest performers celebrated a milestone with a one-of-a-kind concert at Massey Theatre, New Westminster BC.

Arnel Pineda, the tireless rocker, left the crowd of mostly Filipino fans in awe as he performed 24 hits across genres and generations such as Nirvana’s “Smells like Teen Spirit,” Deep Purple’s “Highway Star,” Eric Carmen’s “All by Myself,” Van Halen’s “Jump,” Paul McCartney’s “Live and Let Die,” The Police’s “Message in a Bottle,” Brian Adam's "Please forgive me," and OPM songs.

Mayo Landicho and the PBJ band also played Journey songs as the front act of the sold out concert.

“Arnel’s vocal prowess is something to behold, he could sing the phonebook and still move mountains. He addressed the audience in a comfortable and genuine fashion explaining how fortunate and thankful he is to be where he is today,” says Tom Choy.

A video presentation showed Arnel’s inspirational story, from his humble beginnings to his rise to fame as lead singer of the legendary band Journey.

“Arnel’s personal story is an inspiration to millions, and his performances are wonderful ‘journeys’ through the music that inspired him,” beams sponsor and producer Marlon Parel.

Parel, an avid fan of Journey, describes Arnel as having an energetic and animated stage presence, yet he sang without ego.

“The music itself was presented in pure fashion straight from the heart,” he adds.

Pineda’s Vancouver concert is part of his North America tour as a solo artist to promote his AP album which features all-original songs he himself wrote and produced. Some of the tracks were written as far back as 2000. Reports from Tom Choy, Senior reporter 

Photo by Willian Orsua